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The BBC One series took its annual trip North for the special on Saturday but the night ended with Gorka needing surgery.

According to The Sun newspaper, Gorka was "ambushed" in an unprovoked attack while out with fellow pro dancers Aljaz Skorjanec and Neil Jones.

A friend told The Sun newspaper: “Gorka and a few of the other dancers were heading to a nightclub to let their hair down after another brilliant show.

“All of a sudden this group of local louts came out of nowhere.

“One of them punched Gorka in the face and broke two of his teeth.”

The tabloid reports that Gorka returned to London overnight for dental surgery.

The friend added: "He’s so upbeat that he won’t let an unprovoked attack from a yob ruin his first Strictly in Blackpool.”

Gorka, one of six new pros on this year's series, was partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson before their elimination in Week 2. He's since been paired with Frankie Bridge for the Christmas special, set to air on Xmas Day next month.

A spokesperson for the BBC said in a statement this evening: "Gorka was sadly the victim of an unprovoked incident in Blackpool on Saturday night, but he will be back in training this week and is looking forward to the group routine next weekend."